Spring Break 1999 (March 5-March 15, 1999) is approaching quickly. Traditionally,
this is a time of lower occupancy and greater opportunity for crime. Therefore,
we need to be even more conscious about safety and security. In order to
reduce the opportunity for crime (i.e, criminal mischief, burglaries, etc.),
the Division of Public Safety is again offering Special Checks of Residential
Properties during the following time frame: 5 p.m. Friday, March 5 to 7
a.m. Monday, March 15.

Students, faculty and staff who live within the following geographical
boundaries--Schuylkill River to 43rd Street, and Baltimore Avenue to Market
Street--may list their residences with the Penn Police Department for Special
Checks during the period it will be vacant.

Penn Police officers will periodically check the exterior of the property
for signs of criminal activity or security breaches. If any are discovered,
the officers will take appropriate action ranging from arresting the perpetrator
to conducting an interior check of the property with subsequent notifications
to the listed occupant.

If you would like to list your residence for Special Checks during Spring
Break '99, please pick up an application at the Penn Police Headquarters,
4040 Chestnut Street or the Special Services Department, 4026 Chestnut Street.
Or, you may print the "Request for Special Checks" via the web
at www.upenn.edu/police. You
need to complete and

return the application to either location prior to vacating the premise.
Below are Safety and Security Tips to help make your Spring Break a safe
and happy one. For more extensive safety tips, we also have an excellent
pamphlet by J.J. Bittenbinder, "Tough Target: Street Guide To Staying
Safe." Stop by the Special Services Department for a copy.

--Susan A. Hawkins, Special Services Department, Division
of Public Safety

Safety and Security Tips

If You Are Leaving Penn for Spring Break:

Register your residence with Public Safety for Special Checks during
the Break.

Secure or remove all valuables (i.e., jewelry, computers, stereos,
televisions, etc.). All valuables should already be engraved with your
Social Security or other identifying number. Engravers are available at
the Special Services Department, 4026 Chestnut Street, 898-4481.

Close and lock all windows; close all shades, drapes and blinds. Lock
and bolt entrance doors to rooms or apartments.

Use timers on lights and on a radio or television to give your residence
the appearance of being occupied.

Your answering device message should never indicate that you are not
at home. Always use plural nouns even if you live alone (e.g., "we're
not available to take your call right now"). Don't use your name.

Make sure your exterior lighting works and turn all lights on. Preferably,
exterior lights should be on a timer or photoelectric cell. If not, contact
your landlord regarding these security devices before you leave for Break!

Emergency Telephone Numbers

Penn Police Department

4040 Chestnut Street/3020

On Campus

511

Off Campus

573-3333

Non-Emergencies

898-7297/7298

Special Services (24 hrs.)

898-4481/6600

Penn Detectives

898-4485

Philadelphia Police Department

18th Police District, 5510 Pine Street

Emergency Number

911

General Business Number

686-3180

SEPTA Police Department

Emergencies

580-4131

If You Are Remaining at Penn During Break:

Use one of the interior automated teller machines (ATMs). (Contact
Special Services, 898-4481, for locations of interior ATMs.)

Avoid withdrawing money at night. Check the amount withdrawn only after
you are safely inside your office or residence. Never display money in
a crowd.

Carry only necessary credit cards and money.

Carry your wallet in an inside coat pocket or side trouser pocket.
Carry your handbag tightly under your arm with the clasp toward your body.
Never let it dangle by the handle.

Keep your wallet or handbag closed and with you at all times. Never
put it on the seat beside you, on the counter next to you or under a seat
when dining.

Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you; trust your
instincts. Stay in well-lighted and well-travelled areas.

Walk with your head up, shoulders back and your eyes scanning the people
around you.

Use the "buddy" system or the Penn Transit System when traveling
at night. From non-University exchanges, dial 898-RIDE for the vehicular
escort service or 898-WALK for the walking escort service between the hours
of 6 p.m. and 3 a.m. daily.

If you are expecting guests or workers, do not open your door until
you know it is the right person(s). Always ask to see identification of
visitors you don't know.

If accosted, don't resist! Don't panic! Get a good description, direction
traveled, etc. and report the incident to the police as soon as possible.

Know the locations of Penn's Blue Light Emergency telephones. Open
the box, lift the receiver or push the button to talk.

Report any suspicious activities to the police as soon as you can:
Where, What, Who, When and How.